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Sampler 2015-255
Sampler by Ann Dibb
Sampler 2015-255

Sampler by Ann Dibb

Date1831
Maker Ann Dibb (1817 - 1883)
OriginEngland, West Yorkshire, Leeds (probably)
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 45 weft x 33 warp threads per inch (Identification of fibers by microscope)
DimensionsOH 21" x OW 17 3/4"
Credit LineGift of Nancy P. Northrup
Object number2015-255
DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in faded shades of blue, green, brown, purple, rust, cream, pink, and gold silk threads on a natural-color linen ground. The sampler has a 3/8" hem at top and bottom and selvages at sides. The sampler format consists of symmetrically arranged floral and animal motifs with a verse in the top half. At the top is a center crown flanked on either side by "W" and "R" (presumably for William Rex); floral motif; lion; and basket of flowers or fruit. Below this is the verse: "Thoughts on the seashore/ In every object there I see/ Something O lord that leads to thee/ Firm as the rocks thy promise stands/ Thy mercies countless as the sands/ Thy love a sea immensely wide/ Thy grace a never flowing tide/ In every object here I see/ Something my heart that points to thee/ Firm as the rocks that bounds the strands/ Unfruitful as the barren sands/ Deep deceitful as the ocean/ And like the tide in constant motion”. Flanking the verse are tall floral motifs and potted evergreens.
Centered in the bottom half of the sampler are figures of Adam and Eve, the serpent, and fruit tree. Symmetriallaly arranged around this are floral motifs, baskets of fruit, birds, angels, dogs, horse-like animal motifs; realistically worked boughs of flowers with ribbons; vases of flowers with inverted S" handles; cow, and one very large cat. Worked at the bottom of the sampler is the signature and date: "Ann Dibb Work Aged 14 Years 1831."
The sampler is enclosed on four sides with decorative hem stitch and an undulating vine of small flowers or flower buds.
Stitches: cross over one and two, hem
Label TextTypical of British schoolgirl samplers is the symmetrical format of this embroidery worked in 1831 by Ann Dibb at the age of 14. However, most English samplers of this time period are stitched on a ground of fine worsted. This one is worked on an uneven ground of linen.
Inscribed"Thoughts on the seashore/ In every object there I see/ Something O lord that leads to thee/ Firm as the rocks thy promise stands/ Thy mercies countless as the sands/ Thy love a sea immensely wide/ Thy grace a never flowing tide/ In every object here I see/ Something my heart that points to thee/ Firm as the rocks that bounds the strands/ Unfruitful as the barren sands/ Deep deceitful as the ocean/ And like the tide in constant motion"
ProvenanceMade by Ann Dibb (1817-1883), Yorkshire, 1831;
To her nephew, Francis S. Dibb (1840-before 1901), Yorkshire;
To his wife, Ann E. Dibb (1843-after 1901), Yorkshire;
To her sister, Jemima Tuck (1853-1920), Iowa;
To her daughter Ethelynn Maude Bigglestone (b. 1883), Iowa;
To her son, Dwight Davidson Taylor, Jr. (1920-2015), Minneapolis;
To his step-daughter, Nancy P. Northrup;
Given to CWF, 2015.